Progressive Heroes: Former NR Mayor Billy Smith Dies

Former New Richmond mayor and all around good guy, Billy Smith, passed away Saturday. He was mayor of between 1988-1996. My wife and I used to stop and talk to nice long chat with the mayor at the Shamrock on St. Paddy's day a decade our so ago. I remember one of us spilled green beer on the other's shoes. It didn't matter them and it doesn't matter know. It's the thought that counts...

Our world needs more mayors like Billy Smith who put the community on the front burner and politics in the back of the junk drawer.

Visitation for former New Richmond Mayor H.W. "Billy" Smith will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today,Tuesday Nov. 1 at Beebe Mortuary and for an hour before the 11 a.m. funeral Wednesday, Nov. 2 at Immaculate Conception Church in New Richmond.

St. Paul Pioneer Pressobit